U.S. patent application number 10/073727 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-17 for environmental cameras.
Invention is credited to Hall, Glenn Peter, Hunter, Andrew Arthur.
Application Number | 20020149680 10/073727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9909059 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020149680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hunter, Andrew Arthur ; et
al. |
October 17, 2002 |
Environmental cameras
Abstract
An image capture detection system including a short range radio
transmitter (13) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (12)
installed in or on an image capture device (10). The system further
comprises a remote detection unit (14) also comprising a short
range radio transmitter (18) and a short range radio receiver and
decoder (16). In use, the remote detection unit (14) transmits
intermittent query signals (22) which are received by the receiver
(12) in the image capture device (10) when the remote detection
unit (14) is within a predetermined distance or range thereof. In
response to receipt of the query signals (22), the transmitter (13)
in the image capture device (10) is arranged to transmit an
indicator signal (24) which is received by the remote detection
unit (14). The remote detection unit (14) is arranged to generate a
warning signal in response to receipt of the indicator signal
((24).
Inventors: |
Hunter, Andrew Arthur;
(Stapleton, GB) ; Hall, Glenn Peter; (Stroud,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
9909059 |
Appl. No.: |
10/073727 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/208.14 ;
348/208.15; 348/211.99; 348/E7.087; 348/E7.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/188 20130101;
H04N 7/183 20130101; G08B 13/19695 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/208.14 ;
348/211.99; 348/208.15 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2001 |
GB |
0104080.7 |
Claims
1) an image capture device detection system, comprising indicator
unit arranged to be installed in or on an image capture device,
said indicator unit being configured to emit an indicator signal in
response to an external stimulus to indicate the presence of said
image capture device.
2) A detection system according to claim 1, in which said indicator
signal is an electronic signal.
3) A detection system according to claim 2, in which electronic
indicator signal is emitted periodically.
4) A detection system according to claim 2, in which electronic
indicator signal is emitted continuously.
5) A detection system according to claim 1, in which said indicator
signal is an audible signal.
6) A detection system according to claim 1, in which said indicator
signal is a visible signal.
7) A detection system according to claim 1, comprising a sensor for
detecting said external stimulus signal.
8) A detection system according to claim 7, in which the sensor is
a motion sensor.
9) A detection system according to claim 7, in which the sensor is
an acoustic sensor.
10) A detection system according to claim 1, further comprising a
remote detection unit arranged to transmit a query signal, a
receiver in or on said image capture device arranged to receive
said query signal when said remote detection unit is within a
predetermined distance thereof, said indicator unit being arranged
to emit said indicator signal, in response to receipt of said query
signal.
11) A detection system according to claim 10, wherein said remote
detection unit transmits said query signal periodically.
12) A detection system according to claim 10, wherein said remote
detection unit comprises a transducer, said query signal being
transmitted in response to the output of the transducer.
13) A detection system according to claim 10, wherein said
indicator unit transmits an indicator signal in response to receipt
of said query signal, said remote detection unit including a
receiver for receiving said indicator signal.
14) A detection system according to claim 1, in which the indicator
unit comprises a transmitter arranged to transmit said indicator
signal, the system further comprising a remote detection unit
including a receiver arranged to receive said indicator signal when
said remote detection unit is within a predetermined distance or
range of said image capture device.
15) A detection system according to claim 13 or claim 14, in which
the detection unit comprises an alarm arranged, in response to
receipt of said indication signal, to actuate a warning device to
alert a user to the presence of the image capture device.
16) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator unit comprises a short range radio transmitter for
transmitting a radio signal, and said remote detection unit
comprises a radio receiver and decoder for receiving and decoding
said radio signal when said remote detection unit is within a
predetermined distance or range of said image capture device.
17) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator unit comprises an infra-red transmitter for transmitting
an infra-red signal, and said remote detection unit comprises an
infra-red receiver for receiving an infra-red signal when said
remote detection unit is within the field of view of said image
capture device.
18) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator signal transmitted by said indicator unit includes
information identifying the image capture device.
19) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator signal transmitted by said indicator unit includes
information indicating the capabilities of the image capture
device.
20) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator signal transmitted by said indicator unit includes
information indicating the status of the image capture device.
21) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator signal transmitted by said indicator unit includes
information indicating details of the person or entity responsible
for the image capture device.
22) A detection system according to claim 14, wherein said
indicator signal transmitted by said indicator unit includes
information indicating details of the people or groups of people
authorized to access images captured by the image capture
device.
23) A detection system according to any of claims 18 to 22, in
which the detection unit comprises an alarm arranged, in response
to receipt of said indication signal, to actuate a warning device
to alert a user to the presence of the image capture device,
actuation of the alarm being dependent upon said information
included in the signal transmitted by said indicator unit.
24) A detection system according to any of claims 18 to 22, in
which said remote detection unit comprises a display for displaying
at least some of the information included in said indicator signal
received from said indicator unit.
25) A detection system according to any of claims 18 to 22, in
which said remote detection unit comprises a storage device for
storing at least some of the information included in said indicator
signal received from said indicator unit.
26) An image capture device including an indicator unit configured
to emit an indicator signal in response to an external stimulus to
indicate the presence of said image capture device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to cameras and, in particular but not
exclusively, to video cameras and the like such as those used in
public places for security and/or surveillance.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] The use of cameras in public places for security purposes is
becoming increasingly common, particularly as cameras become
cheaper and easier to manufacture. For example, video cameras and
other image capture devices are commonly used in retail outlets and
the like in an attempt to combat shoplifting and in other public
places in an attempt to combat vandalism and other crimes. Such
devices act as a deterrent as well as providing video evidence if a
crime is committed.
[0005] As the use of surveillance cameras becomes more common, and
image capture devices become more accessible to the public in
general, so the concern of the public increases regarding the
potential for an invasion of their privacy. At present, in an
attempt to allay such fears, image capturing devices employed in
public places are made visually conspicuous and signs indicating
their presence are usually displayed.
[0006] However, this solution is not always ideal especially where
the optimization of space is an issue. Current technology already
permits the manufacture of very small but powerful image capturing
devices which, for the reasons outlined above, are then housed in
relatively large casings so that they will be visually conspicuous.
Not only is this an inefficient use of space and materials, but it
does not prevent the unauthorized use of hidden surveillance
cameras, which leads to mistrust and discomfort for the general
public. It is generally felt that the general public should have
the right to be made aware of situations and locations where they
may be watched, and current protocols are not considered to achieve
this effectively in many circumstances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] We have now devised an arrangement which seeks to overcome
at least some of the problems outlined above. In accordance with
the present invention, there is provided image capture device
detection system, comprising indicator unit arranged to be
installed in or on an image capture device, said indicator unit
being configured to emit an indicator signal in response to an
external stimulus to indicate the presence of said image capture
device.
[0008] The present invention also extends to an image capture
device including a detection system as defined above.
[0009] Methods of detecting the external stimulus will depend on
the nature of the stimulus. For example, if it is a noise, a
microphone could be used. Alternative detectors include a passive
infra-red detector, radar-based motion detector, identifying motion
in camera images, etc.
[0010] It is envisaged to provide a protocol whereby it is
compulsory to provide such an indicating unit on or in all image
capturing devices which are intended to be or could be used in
public places to observe the general public.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the image capturing
device may include a warning device for generating an audible
and/or visible signal in response to an external signal from, for
example, a member of the general public. In its simplest form, the
external signal could, for example, be a hand clap. However, in a
preferred embodiment, a remote detection unit may be provided
(possibly in a wristwatch or personal organizer) which transmits
intermittent interrogation signals that can be received by an image
capturing device within a predetermined area, causing it to emit a
signal which is either audible and/or visible to the user of the
remote unit, or which can be received by the detection unit,
causing the detection unit to emit an audible and/or visible signal
to alert the user of the presence of a camera in the vicinity.
Alternatively, the detection unit may be arranged to vibrate. The
detection unit may also have a `silence` mode in which the user is
not alerted to the presence of a camera immediately.
[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the image
capturing device is simply arranged to transmit intermittent
signals which, when received by a remote detection unit, cause said
detection unit to emit an audible, visible and/or tactile signal to
alert the user of the presence of a camera in the vicinity.
[0013] In any event, the remote detection unit may be arranged to
alert the user of the presence of the cameras when specifically
requested to do so, and it may be arranged to require explicit
interaction from the user if it is required to review details of
any cameras detected.
[0014] In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,
the image capture device may include a radio receiver and decoder
to receive and detect a query signal from a nearby remote detection
unit. The image capture device would preferably also include a
short range radio transmitter which, in response to the query
signal, transmits a radio signal which may include one or more of
the following: an identifier signal unique to that particular image
capturing device (such as would be necessary for the remote
detection unit to address the image capturing device over a
wireless network), a code indicating the image capture device's
capabilities, status information (i.e. which, if any, of its
capabilities are active), details of the person or entity
responsible for the image capture device and/or details of the
people or groups of people authorized to access the images captured
by the device, and even those accessing the images at any
particular time. It may be compulsory for a person or entity to
have a licence to use covert image capturing devices, in which case
the radio signal may include licence details and/or the fact that
the camera is not licensed. In another embodiment, similar, details
could be provided by the remote detection unit to the camera(s),
e.g. what camera details are being requested, by whom, for what
purpose, etc. Details sent to the camera could include details of a
return communication channel, e.g. an e-mail address, to which the
details should be sent, or the detector's wireless device address
to enable a non-broadcast wireless communication with the
camera.
[0015] The remote detection unit beneficially includes a display on
which at least some of the information transmitted by the image
capture device is displayed to the user. The remote detection unit
may also include a storage device so that it can store information
received from one or more image capture devices detected within a
predetermined area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described
in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing which is
a schematic block diagram representing an image capture device
detection system according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a camera 10 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention has incorporated therein a
short range radio receiver and decoder 12 and a short range radio
transmitter 18.
[0018] A remote detection unit 14 carried or worn by a user also
comprises a short range radio receiver and decoder 16 and a short
range radio transmitter 18. The remote detection unit 14 further
comprises a display screen 20.
[0019] The radio transmitter 18 in the remote detection unit 14
transmits intermittent query signals 22. When the remote detection
unit 14 is within a predetermined range or distance of the camera
10, the receiver and decoder 12 in the camera 10 receive the query
signal(s) and, in response thereto, transmit a short range radio
signal 24 which is received by the remote detection unit receiver
and decoder 16.
[0020] One known protocol which could be used to achieve this is
provided by the Bluetooth.TM. technology which permits instant,
wireless connections to be made between various devices having a
microchip incorporation a radio transceiver build into them, and
supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections.
This technology facilitates fast and secure transmissions of data,
even when the devices are not within line-of-sight, and because it
uses radio transmission, transfer of data is in real-time. The
Bluetooth.TM. radio operates in a globally available frequency band
which enables communication compatibility worldwide, and the
technology is designed to be fully functional even in very noisy
radio environments. Further, all data is protected by
error-correction protocols, as well as encryption and
authentication routines for the users' privacy.
[0021] In this embodiment, the radio signal 24 includes a unique
identifying signal, a code indicating the camera's capabilities,
status information and information relating to the person or entity
responsible for the camera. The decoder in the remote detection
unit 14 decodes the radio signal 24 and displays some or all of
said information on the display screen 20.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 again, in an alternative embodiment, a
camera 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention has incorporated therein a receiver and decoder 12 for
receiving wireless query signals 22 and a transmitter 18 for
transmitting wireless indicator signals 24.
[0023] A remote detection unit 14 carried or worn by a user
comprises a receiver and decoder 16 for receiving wireless
indicator signals 24 and a transmitter 18 for transmitting wireless
query signals 22. The remote detection unit 14 further comprises a
warning device and/or display screen 20.
[0024] A specific embodiment of the present invention has been
described above by way of example only, and it will be apparent to
a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can
be made to the described embodiment without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *